Hillsboro Mayor Jerry Willey and City Manager Michael Brown joined Hillsboro opinion editor George Rede and me Wednesday morning for a live chat with readers.

Most questions had to do with the city's decision to convert downtown streets from one-way to two-way traffic, but readers also touched on medical marijuana dispensaries, education funding and the city's proposed 2014-15 budget.

Here are a few highlights from the chat, with light editing for clarity:

TWO-WAY STREET CONVERSION

MGee asked: What quantitative data has been collected by the city about downtown Hillsboro business activity prior to the approval of a two-way grid conversion? How was it collected, and where can it be reviewed by the public? Will the success of this investment be measured in a longitudinal study? Again, where will we be able to monitor the outcomes of this project?

Michael Brown answered: All the reports that the city utilized regarding the two-way conversion are available online on our website. The data is not quantitative, but you can read about other cities that have moved to two-way streets and how it has helped those communities. As far as measurement, we will be constantly evaluating the results of this and the other public and private investments in improving downtown. The overall objective is to create a more vibrant, successful downtown. Two-way conversion is one of numerous efforts that we are undertaking to help revitalize our downtown core.

rosecityfriend asked: Any potential success of a two-way street conversion hinges on your promise that delivery trucks (which currently block a lane of traffic several times a day for several minutes at a time) would deliver in early morning hours, or off-street behind businesses, or along designated loading zones on the side of the street (thus not blocking traffic indefinitely for cars stuck behind vans and trucks from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Are you and downtown businesses willing to make those adjustments in delivery as the very first step for a trial period...to evaluate how realistic and effective that idea is, before proceeding with the expense of signage and grid changes, as a demonstration of good faith to reassure the community?

Mayor Jerry Willey answered: This has been a topic of discussion for the last few years, and working with our business owners, we believe there are other options available that will not impede traffic. While we are not looking at a trial period, we will ask businesses and delivery drivers to begin to make changes that help traffic flow. We should keep in mind, though, that all busy retail districts have traffic. Deliveries are a necessity.

Westuritto asked: Was any sort of...poll taken among the businesses where the roads will be altered? What businesses favored the change? Which are opposed? ... My understanding is that the Tuesday Marketplace favors the change. Since streets are completely shut down for Tuesday Marketplace, why do they prefer the change?

Willey answered: We did not pay for polling among our business owners because we heard overwhelming support for the two-way conversion. We have engaged with our business community for several years, giving them numerous opportunities to voice their perspectives. ... Tuesday Marketplace supports the change because it makes it easier to get downtown and eliminates confusion for visitors.

Thomas_A. Westran_784 asked: Wouldn't it make more sense to try this concept on north-south numbered streets first? This would also alleviate the problems created by deliveries on a two-way Main Street.

Willey answered: The decision to convert all the streets at one time was based on the concern that a partial conversion will only make it more confusing and extend the transition period.

In a separate post, Willey said: The city is in the process of developing a request for proposals that will address several components of the two-way conversion, including parking, traffic flow, loading zones, logistics, intersection design and other elements. ... Let me emphasize that safety will always priority when it comes to any changes in our transportation system.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

Super Straightguy asked: How about a comment on the ridiculous banning of medical marijuana dispensaries in Hillsboro? What are you going to do to ensure that these legal businesses can set up shop in town in a timely manner and start generating some revenue and tax money?

Willey answered: The state allowed cities to take time to craft regulations because of the importance of proper zoning for this new industry. We heard compelling testimony from those who use medical marijuana. The city council, along with the planning commission, is working to have the new zoning in place by early fall.

EDUCATION FUNDING

Downtown Hillsboro Resident asked: The biggest problem facing our city is the school district's funding problems. For the most part, this is outside the ability of the city to address, except through residential development. Do you favor tougher bargaining for concessions that help the school district when negotiating land-use and zoning permits for large residential developments? ... Would you ever be against large-scale developments if it would put an unreasonable load on the school district?

Willey answered: As we plan for large-scale developments such as South Hillsboro, we collaborate with the school district on the district's needs and the impact of new students. That's why land was acquired in South Hillsboro in advance of development. We also plan for service needs – parks and recreation, water, police, fire and others.

THE 2014-15 BUDGET

George Rede asked: Can you tell us what's in store in next year's budget? Any increase in spending? Which new programs or initiatives might be funded? Other highlights worth mentioning?

Brown answered: While next year's total city budget increases by $63.5 million, the net budget that reflects actual planned appropriations is down almost $300,000. It has been deemed a "status quo" budget, so we won't be adding new programs, but the focus is on achieving the council's priorities and elements of the Hillsboro 2020 Vision plan. As examples, council priorities include the mid-Willamette Water Supply Project and transportation funding (particularly improvements on Brookwood and Cornelius Pass, and safety improvements around Hillsboro schools). We continue to fully fund the city's public safety needs, including police, fire and water. This has been and will continue to be one of the most critical priorities of city council. City council will vote on the final 2014-15 budget at the June 17 city council meeting.